George Harrison and UNICEF: "Help us save some lives"

George Harrison was more than a singer and songwriter, more than a guitarist, more than a part of The Beatles, arguably the most influential band in rock history.

George was a passionate humanitarian and advocate for children. In fact, according to UNICEF, the Concert for Bangladesh (organized by George and inspired by sitar legend Ravi Shankar) "marked the first time rock musicians collaborated for a common humanitarian cause," raising both awareness and money to assist the ten million people of Bangladesh who were victims of flood, famine and civil war.




I loved that man.

Today would have been George's 68th birthday.

2011 marks the 40th anniversary of the Concert for Bangladesh. On August 1, 1971, George, Ravi, Bob Dylan, Eric Clapton, Ringo Starr, Leon Russell and Billy Preston came together, using their musical talents to help raise funds for people in dire need. Imagine what it would have been like to be there!

George used his fame for a cause higher than himself. He wanted his music to inspire people to do more than tap their feet.

He succeeded on both counts.

Six years ago, a permanent fund was set up in his name, with a goal of continuing assistance to the people of Bangladesh, as well as other places where a child's survival is threatened.

The George Harrison Fund for UNICEF is a joint venture between the Harrison family and the U.S. Fund for UNICEF that aims to support UNICEF programs providing lifesaving assistance to children caught in humanitarian emergencies. --- UNICEF

As someone who admired George, it means alot to me to see that his twin legacies, music and activism, live on, so many years later.

The need still exists.

My friend came to me with sadness in his eyes
He told me that he wanted help before his country dies
Although I couldn't feel the pain, I knew I had to try
Now I'm asking all of you to help us save some lives

--- from "Bangladesh" by George Harrison


Were you inspired by George Harrison? Do you want to help save some lives?

Click the highlighted link to Support the George Harrison Fund for UNICEF
.

Visit the United States Fund for UNICEF for further information.

Technorati tags: George Harrison, UNICEF, Bangladesh, US Fund for UNICEF, floods, children, civil war, music, humanitarians, Ravi Shankar, Bob Dylan, Eric Clapton, Ringo Starr, Leon Russell, Billy Preston, The Beatles, famine, Concert for Bangladesh, emergency relief